Applicator for a Cosmetic Product and Associated Applicator Assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns an applicator ( 10 ) for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core ( 12 ) that extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the extension axis (X), and a plurality of protuberances ( 31, 32 ) projecting and extending radially from the core ( 12 ), said protuberances ( 31, 32 ) being moulded with the core ( 12 ). Said protuberances ( 31, 32 ) are of at least two different types, a first type of protuberances ( 31 ) being in the form of plates ( 31 ) and a second type of protuberances ( 32 ) being in the form of teeth ( 32 ), said first and second type of protuberances ( 31, 32 ) being arranged in succession along said extension axis (X). The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.

The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product and to an associated applicator assembly.

Applicator assemblies for a cosmetic product are known, in particular for a cosmetic product intended to be applied to the eyelashes, such as mascara, comprising a receptacle containing the cosmetic product and an applicator suitable for being fixed removably on the receptacle.

The receptacle generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls delimiting a container which contains the cosmetic product, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be removed.

The applicator assembly generally comprises a cap suitable for being fixed on the neck, a stem extending from the cap and an applicator fixed to a free end of the stem. The applicator comprises a core and a plurality of protrusions extending from the core in order to coat the eyelashes with cosmetic product and to comb them.

When the cap is fixed on the neck, the stem and the applicator extend inside the container. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the container.

In order to use the applicator, the user detaches the cap from the neck and removes the applicator from the receptacle.

In order to prevent the applicator from being excessively loaded with cosmetic product, the receptacle generally comprises a wiper, fixed inside the neck. When the user removes the applicator from the receptacle, the applicator slides inside the wiper. The wiper scrapes off the excess cosmetic product on the stem and on the applicator.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the following problem: to propose an applicator which makes it possible to coat the eyelashes in a satisfactory manner whilst combing them.

Thus, the invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core extending in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the axis of extension, and a plurality of projecting protrusions extending radially from the core, said protrusions being moulded with the core.

According to the invention, said protrusions are of at least two different types: a first type of protrusions in the form of plates and a second type of protrusion in the form of teeth, said first and second type of protrusions following one another along said axis of extension.

The advantage associated with the applicator according to the invention is the possibility of coating the user's eyelashes with cosmetic product by means of the plates, whilst combing the eyelashes by means of the teeth, and doing so all along the applicator according to the invention since the two types of protrusions follow one another axially.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

-   -   each plate occupies an angular portion of the core,     -   the protrusions each extend along a normal to the axis of the         core,     -   the core has a proximal end and a distal end,     -   the protrusions are distributed along said core, over a         substantial portion of its length from the distal end,     -   said proximal end is extended by a sleeve having no protrusions,     -   the protrusions are distributed over the entire radial periphery         of the core,     -   the core is made of plastic material,     -   the protrusions are made of plastic material,     -   the core and the protrusions are moulded integrally from the         same material,     -   said first and second type of protrusions occupy zones, referred         to respectively as zones of the first type and zones of the         second type,     -   said zones follow one another axially along the axis of         extension, from the proximal end to the distal end of the core,     -   the core has a cross section with respect to the axis of         extension, referred to as a first section in the zones of the         first type, and a second section in the zones of the second         type,     -   the dimensions of the first section are smaller than those of         the second sections, in particular those of the second sections         which are directly adjacent thereto,     -   the zones of the first and/or second type comprise at least two         radial rows of protrusions which follow one another along the         axis of extension,     -   the radial rows of protrusions extend transversely with respect         to the axis of extension,     -   the protrusions of the second type have a semi-circular cross         section and each have a planar surface,     -   the protrusions of the second type are positioned in such a way         that two adjacent protrusions of the same axial row are disposed         in a staggered manner, their planar surface being oriented in         each case in an opposing rotational direction,     -   the protrusions of the second type are teeth,     -   the protrusions of the second type are rectilinear,     -   the core has a cross section of the type having a constant         shape,     -   the cross section of the core has the shape of a polygon with         rectilinear sides,     -   said polygon comprises six sides,     -   the protrusions of the first type each extend from one side of         said polygon, extending along the entirety of said side,     -   the core is solid,     -   the applicator forms a brush.

The invention also advantageously relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle comprising a body forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator as described above, suitable for being fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that the applicator is accommodated inside the container.

The invention will be better understood, and other objectives, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the following detailed explanatory description of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially inclined isometric view of an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view of the applicator illustrated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2,

The invention relates to an applicator 10 for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 12 which extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the axis of extension, labelled X in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The applicator 10 according to the invention also comprises a plurality of projecting protrusions 31, 32 extending radially from the core 12, said protrusions 31, 32 being moulded with the core. In this case, the protrusions 31, 32 are integral with the core 12. In other words, the core 12 and the protrusions 31, 32 are moulded continuously from the same material. This has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the applicator 10 according to the invention. This also has the advantage of better controlling the rigidity given to said protrusions 31, 32.

The core 12 and the protrusions 31, 32 could be moulded from a material based on LDPE (low density polyethylene). Other materials could also be used, namely the material “EXACT” from ExxonMobil or the material “HYTREL” from DuPont, or a mixture of these materials.

Alternatively, the protrusions 31, 32 are overmoulded on the core 12, in particular for the purpose of varying the colours of the elements constituting said applicator 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the core 12 has a proximal end 13 and a distal end 16. The proximal end 13 can be fixed to a stem of the applicator (not shown) by a sleeve 14 which extends said core 12. The sleeve 14 does not have any protrusions.

It should be noted that the core 12 has a cross section of the type having a constant shape, namely a polygonal shape. More precisely, the cross section of the core 12 has the shape of a polygon with rectilinear sides, preferably with six sides. Preferably, the type of shape and/or the angular orientation of said cross section of the core 12 is substantially constant from its proximal end 13 to its distal end 16. This is understood to mean that even if the cross section of the core 12 could have a variable surface area along the core 12, it retains the same type of contour and/or the same angular orientation. Said cross section is, for example, hexagonal and said distal end 16 is not angularly offset from said proximal end 13.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and according to the invention, the protrusions 31, 32 are distributed along said core 12 over a substantial portion of its length from the distal end 16.

Moreover, the protrusions 31, 32 are distributed over the entire radial periphery of the core 12.

Alternatively, the protrusions are distributed over a discrete portion of the radial periphery of the core 12 (embodiment not shown) in order to obtain makeup effects which are additional and/or complementary to those which are described here.

In the following description a radial row of protrusions 31, 32 is understood to be a row of protrusions 31, 32 disposed around the core 12, in the same plane orthogonal to the axis of extension X, said plane intersecting the core 12 according to a section which in this case is substantially circular.

The applicator 10 is wiped during its removal from the container by a wiper disposed inside the container.

According to the invention, the protrusions 31, 32 are of at least two different types.

A first type of protrusions 31 takes the form of plates 31 (see FIG. 1). In this case, each plate occupies an angular portion of the core 12. In other words, said plates 31 each extend from one side of the core 12; they advantageously extend along the entirety of said side. The plates 31 therefore have a wide base and taper towards their free end. Since the plates 31 form at least one radial row as defined above, and considering that the core 12 is polygonal, the plates 31 form angular gaps relative to one another. Moreover, said gaps are configured in order to retain the cosmetic product when the applicator is removed from its receptacle and is scraped off by the wiper. In other words, the gaps, which have a substantially concave shape, which may or may not be rounded, serve as a container for cosmetic product. Therefore this makes it possible to provide an applicator 10 which offers a high capacity for loading with cosmetic product.

It should be noted, by way of non-limiting example, that the plates 31 have a substantially triangular shape and preferably have a rounded free end.

On the other hand, the applicator 10 according to the invention comprises a second type of protrusions 32 which are in the form of teeth 32. These teeth 32 have a semi-circular cross section and each have a planar surface. They are positioned in such a way that two adjacent teeth 32 of the same axial row are disposed in a staggered manner, their planar surface being oriented in each case in an opposing rotational direction, for example on either side of the same axial edge of the core. Said teeth 32 are provided in a rectilinear manner, and each extend along a normal to the axis of the core 12. Said teeth 32 give the applicator 10 according to the invention an ability to comb the eyelashes to complement the effect obtained by the radial rows of plates 31.

Thus, according to the invention, and as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, said first and second type of protrusions 31, 32 follow one another along the axis of extension X of the core 12. In this case, the radial rows of plates 31 follow the radial rows of teeth 32 along the axis of extension X of the core 12. It may be recalled that the associated advantage is the possibility of coating the user's eyelashes with cosmetic product by means of the plates 31, whilst combing the eyelashes by means of the teeth 32, and doing so all along the applicator according to the invention since the two types of protrusions 31, 32 follow one another axially.

On the other hand, the radial rows of plates 31 and the radial rows of teeth 32 form zones, referred to respectively as a zone of the first type Z1 and a zone of the second type Z2, which follow one another axially from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

It has also been found that the plates 31 have a deflection capacity which is less than the deflection capacity of the teeth 32, in particular in the axial direction.

Consequently, the radial rows of plates 31 have an increased resistance when they pass through the wiper (not shown here) than when the radial rows of teeth 32 pass therethrough. In other words, when the radial rows of plates 31 arrive in the region of the wiper, they lock and lead to a sudden withdrawal of the applicator out of its receptacle.

In order to eliminate this disadvantage, flexibility may be provided in the region of the radial rows of plate 31, in particular by varying the dimensions of the cross section of the core 12. In other words, the core 12 advantageously has at least two cross sections S1, S2 with respect to the axis of extension X, said two cross sections having different dimensions (see FIG. 3). The core 12 thus has a cross section with respect to the axis of extension X, referred to as a first section S1 in the zones of the first type Z1 and a second section S2 in the zones of the second type Z2, the dimensions of the first section S1 being less than those of the second sections S2. In particular, the dimensions of the first section S1 are less than those of the second sections S2 which are directly adjacent thereto (see FIG. 3).

Said sections S1, S2 preferably comply with the following formula: 0.7≦S1/S2≦0.9. By way of example, the section S1 is inscribed in a circle of diameter substantially equal to 2 mm and the cross section S2 is inscribed in a circle of diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.

Thus the core 12 of the applicator 10 according to the invention is thinner at the location of the radial rows of plates 31 in order to give it an increased bending capacity in comparison to the zones Z2 bearing the radial rows of teeth 32. It will be noted in FIGS. 2 and 3 that the core 12 is thinner at the location of the radial rows of plates 31, but also in the vicinity thereof, over an axial distance of several tenths of a millimetre, for example over an axial distance of 0.3 mm.

It should be noted that the plates 31, like the teeth 32, each extend along a normal to the axis of the core 12.

The zones of the first type Z1 and/or of the second type Z2 comprise at least two radial rows of protrusions which follow one another along the axis of extension X. In particular x radial rows of plates 31 alternate along the axis of extension X with y radial rows of teeth 32, x and y complying with the formula 1 x,y≦6. In the embodiment illustrated here, without this being limiting, two radial rows of plates 31 alternate systematically and successively along the axis of extension with 4 radial rows of teeth 31.

Providing radial rows of plates in the form of pairs, that is to say two radial rows of plates without a radial row of teeth therebetween, has the advantage of further improving the loading power of the brush. The zone situated between the plates of the same pair will in fact be protected by the upper plate, that is to say the plate which is wiped first when the user takes the applicator out of the container, when said zone passes through the wiper.

The teeth of two successive radial rows of teeth are tangent here, one below and one above the same plane transversely with respect to the core.

It should be noted again that the core is solid. Nevertheless, it could be hollow without departing from the scope of the invention.

It may be recalled that the invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle (not shown) comprising a body forming a container containing the cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 as previously described, suitable for being fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that the applicator is accommodated inside the container. Said applicator 10 is fixed, for example, to the end of a stem, which is itself fixed to a cap (not shown) advantageously screwed to the receptacle. After assembly, the sleeve 14 is situated in the stem and the proximal end 13 of the core forms the visible proximal end of the applicator.

On the other hand, the protrusions 31, 32 form a contour E, in particular defined by their periphery (see FIG. 2). Said contour E has a substantially frustoconical shape, in particular between said proximal end 13 and distal end 16. The truncated cone formed by said contour E has, for example, a circular cross section in the vicinity of the proximal end 13 having a diameter between 6.5 mm and 9.5 mm, in particular substantially equal to 8 mm, and a circular cross section in the vicinity of the distal end 16, of which the diameter is between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular substantially equal to 4.5 mm. The frustoconical shape of the contour E has the advantage of facilitating the passage of the applicator 10 through the wiper, when it is reinserted into the receptacle, in particular after use.

It should also be noted that the applicator 10 forms a brush, in particular a mascara brush.

It should also be noted that alternative embodiments are of course possible. In particular, in a supplementary embodiment the core is curved from its proximal end to its distal end. 

1. Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core extending in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the axis of extension (X), and a plurality of projecting protrusions extending radially from the core, said protrusions being moulded with the core, characterised in that said protrusions are of at least two different types, a first type of protrusions in the form of plates and a second type of protrusions in the form of teeth, said first and second type of protrusions following one another along said axis of extension (X).
 2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a proximal end and a distal end, said first and second type of protrusions occupying zones, referred to respectively as zones of the first type (Z1) and zones of the second type (Z2), said zones (Z1, Z2) following one another axially along the axis of extension (X), from the proximal end to the distal end of the core.
 3. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the core has a cross section with respect to the axis of extension (X), which is said first section (S1) in the zones of the first type (Z1), and a second section (S2) in the zones of the second type (Z2), the dimensions of the first section (S1) being less than those of the second sections (S2).
 4. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the zones of the first and/or of the second type (Z1, Z2) comprise at least two radial rows of protrusions which follow one another along the axis of extension.
 5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the second type have a semi-circular cross section and each have a planar surface.
 6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein said protrusions of the second type are positioned in such a way that two adjacent protrusions of the same axial row are disposed in a staggered manner, their planar surface being oriented in each case in an opposing rotational direction.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a cross section of the type having a constant shape.
 8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the cross section of the core has the shape of a polygon with rectilinear sides.
 9. Applicator according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions of the first type each extend from one side of said polygon, extending along the entirety of said side.
 10. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a receptacle comprising a body forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator according to claim 1, suitable for being fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that the applicator is accommodated inside the container. 